Keenan Lewis inks five-year deal with Saints

CB led NFL in pass defenses in 2012 season

The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis to a five-year deal.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for the former Pittsburgh Steeler who grew up in the Crescent City and attended O. Perry Walker High School before playing his collegiate ball at Oregon State.

In his first year as a starter for the black and yellow, the fourth-year pro led the NFL with 23 pass defenses last season. He added 71 tackles and a forced fumble. Now, he is trading Steelers yellow for Saints gold.

“We are excited to be able to add a player of Keenan’s ability to our defense,” said Saints General Manager Micky Loomis in a news release issued Thursday. “He was a top free agent target for us and I know that he is very excited to be able to come home to play football.”

Lewis was one of the top cornerbacks on the market this off season and figures to compete favorably with current Saints Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson for playing time on the edge.